Residential History of East London Ontario

London Ontario is a fascinating city. If you are looking for London Ontario homes for sale, it will help to become familiar with the neighborhoods, one that you may soon call home. Divided by the Thames River, on the north side is North London. On the south side is South London. All East London and downtown is between the forks of the south and north branches of the river.

Woodfield District

Most of the city’s oldest and prestigious neighbourhoods are located in East London’s downtown area. Here you will find the Woodfield District which gets its name from a large stone home that was built in 1846 but destroyed in 1968. Another early historic home is located at 22 Peter Street, a wood-framed farmhouse. Construction took off in this area in the 1870’s, with many houses made using the local clay. If you see a home made from yellow bricks, it was probably built during this time.

Victoria Park

Also in the East district is Victoria Park, converted when the British garrison left the city in 1869. With the park came houses built by the city’s wealthiest residents and they can still be seen on Wellington and Central Avenues. Between 1890 and the end of World War I, Victorian, Edwardian and Queen Anne style homes were built. Also during this time, the area of the wealthy attracted artisans and tradesmen who built homes here. The result is a beautiful and historical neighborhood.

London East

London East itself began in 1851 when a brick house was built on the northeast corner of Dundas and Adelaide. The owner, Murray Anderson, built an iron foundry on the southwest corner. Several oil refineries were also built in this area. And this industry attracted hundreds of workers. In 1885 London East became an official part of the city of London.

Heavy industry was banned in 1885 and the London East of today is very different from its industrial beginnings. A business district that started in 1864, known as Lilley’s Corners after Charles Lilley, continued to develop. Other business followed, such as the Anderson Block, built by Murray Anderson.

The London East area includes both beautiful old homes and working class houses. Real value can is found in this area. Buyers looking for London Ontario homes for sale can find houses with large lots, city services, and convenient shopping. All this at a lower price than a similar property elsewhere in the city.